Jammu, Following an uproar in the Legislative Assembly today with members, including those from the BJP and the CPI(M), raising the issue of “Pakistan shelling” along the Line of Control, Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh described the situation as “very bad”.

Singh said that administration has been directed to provide safe shelters and other facilities to people who have migrated from LoC area in Rajouri.

During the Question Hour in the assembly, BJP MLA Ravinder Raina said, “there is heavy firing and shelling going on along LoC in my Noushera assembly constituency in which people are suffering and migration of the people have taken place.”

He said schools have been shut and houses suffered damages in the border areas and called for reply from the government to this urgent situation.

Raina demanded sending a ministerial team to assess the situation in Noushera sector.

He was supported by CPI(M) member M Y Tarigami and members of BJP.

Replying on the issue, Deputy Chief Minister said that “situation is very bad along LoC due to Pakistan shelling. As a result of the shelling, migration has taken place.”

He said that administration has been directed to provide all necessary facilities, safe shelters and ensure safety for people along LoC.

Fourteen people, including seven civilians, have been killed and over 70 others injured in intense shelling by Pakistan along the International Border (IB) in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts, and the LoC in Poonch and Rajouri districts from January 18 to 22, leading to the displacement of thousands of border residents.

Over 300 schools along LoC and IB were closed last week as a precautionary measure in view of the firing.

Meanwhile, Pakistani troops today opened fire and lobbed mortars on forward and civilian areas along the LoC in Rajouri district, drawing retaliation from the Indian Army, officials said.

No casualties have been reported so far.

The firing and shelling along the LoC in Noushera sector of Rajouri district started at 7 am, Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary was quoted as saying by PTI.

He said the heavy shelling is going on targeting five villages in areas of Jhangar, Dhamaka and Kalal belts.